St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-04-25
DOWN IN MEXICO.
Rev. Gjertsen Tells of the Work OF
missionaries IN the aztec Land.

missionaries IN the aztec Land.
At the mission service III the Trinity
Lutheran church, the pastor, Rev. Falk
Gjertsen, spoke of Mexico. He first gave a
description of the country, its history and
people and then gave sketch of Protestant
missionary efforts among the people.
Ii was during the reign of the unfortunate
emperor Macmillan, in the year 1865, that
the British Bible society commenced to spread
copies OF the Bible in Mexico. The Bibles
were read and the word fell as divine seed in
fertile soil. Amongst others, a priest, Fran
cisco Aguilar, was converted. His JOY over
the new-found religion was so great that he
had to communicate it 10 others. A little
congregation of fifty souls gathered around
him, and TO them he preached the gospel.
But his course was soon run. Hard work
and harder prosecutions undermined his
health, and after two years of earnest
effort his work and sufferings were oyer.
Amongst his papers was found transla-
ton in Spanish OF little book, originally
published in English, written to prove that
every Christian had right to investigate tn e
truths of the Bible for himself. The rector
of an Episcopal but Spanish speaking con-
gregation in New York, H. C. Riley, had the
book published. This man was born in Chilli
bad Spanish education, and remained true
friend to his people, Notwithstanding his
American nome and English name. He was
naturally much interested in Aguilar and his
little flock, and did what he from such dis
lance could do for them. But the empire FELL
and the new government under Benito JuareZ,
a fullblooded Indian of the old Astec tribe
was very favorable to the PrOtestantS. The
Mexican Professionals sent a delegation to the
United States, to report their work and form
some connection with their brethren in the
faith here. This delegation came to New
York and found at once that DR.. Riley was
just the right man for Mexico.
They prevailed upon him to occupy the
field and he did it, mostly at his own expense
and entirely at his own risk. He preached,
made visits,s wrote, translated tracts, espe-
ciay DR.. RyleS', and was constantly at work.
1t was natural that he met opposition from
the Catholic church, but his work was re-
Inarkably blessed, and soon he organized
THE Church of Jesus in Mexico'-as Agui-
lar originally had wished it, independent OF
all other confessions, evangelical in doctrine
and as near the apostolic church as possible
in its form of government. The liberal gov
erDment gave the new congregation church
building, an old abbey, San Jose de Gracia.
The Catholics appointed one of their most
gifted and beloved preachers, Manuel Aguas
to oppose and crush the new movement. But
God willed it otherwise The above
mentioned fact of the reading Of the
Bible fell into his hands, and he
was converted. His eyes were opened and he
saw that the work he was appointed to de-
stroy was the work of GOD. His embracing
of Professionalism created an immense sensa-
ton. The church 'San Jose de Gracia,
was just then to be used by the Protestants
and the first Protestant sermon was preached
by Manual Aguas. The converted monk en-
tered the pulpit with apostolic courage, au6
gave his testimony before ali immense as
semblage. He was unceasing in his work
The movement spread from village to village
He often preached fifteen sermons a week
He wrote tracts and scattered them, he trans
lated Pascars renowned letters against thu
Jesuits, and success crowned all his efforts
But he was called away in the midst of hi
work nlikeu Aguila. He died in 1872
Dr.. Riley was just then absent il
New York. A delegation was sen
to the Episcopal church of the United State
to ask for the appointment of a Protestap
bishop for Mexico Feb. "a, 1875. an American
bishop held the first ordination in Mexico
The joy was great. The newly ordained EN-
braced each other with tears. The number o
churches was then ffty-one; now it is sew
enty. The speaker next gave sketch of tn
Presbyterian, Congregationalist and Methods
missions in Mexico.